New Delhi: As global oil prices surged and they are increasing due to tensions in the Middle East, again petrol and diesel prices is a hot topic in India this week. But along with concern for the higher cost of fuel, something unusual has also occurred, the internet is full of jokes, memes and funny reactions from people managing the situation.
Across social media platforms many users started to post humorous posts around petrol becoming “more precious than gold.” Some people joked that they would now be treating their scooters and cars like luxuries and only take them out for “special occasions.”
In one viral post, a man posted a picture of his motorcycle with a caption that read that he had decided to start walking to the office because his bike now “needs emotional support before every petrol refill.” The post soon accumulated thousands of likes and comments from people with similar experiences.
Another humorous trend started with people posting photos of bicycles and saying they had “invested in a new electric vehicle” – when it was just a regular cycle. Many users said that rising petrol prices could have the unintended consequences of making people healthier because people would start walking or cycling more often.
Even some small businesses partook in the humour. A roadside tea stall owner in northern India has put up a playful board, which read: “Drink tea here and discuss petrol prices.” Complaining is free.” Customers thought the message was funny and began to take photos with the sign.
Economists say that humour is often the way people deal with the rising living costs. While the prices of fuel have a direct impact on transport costs and daily expenses, social media allows the people to voice their frustrations in a lighter manner.
